Feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean Stew)

Brazil''s national dish — a rich black bean stew with smoked and cured meats.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced
• 1 lb pork ribs or shoulder
• 1 onion, diced
• 6 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• Orange slices (for serving)
• Rice, collard greens, farofa (toasted cassava flour)

Method

1. Simmer soaked beans with bay leaves 1 hour until tender.

2. Brown sausage and bacon. Add onion and garlic.

3. Add beans with their liquid and pork. Simmer 1.5 hours until pork is tender and stew is thick.

4. Serve with white rice, sautéed collard greens, farofa, and orange slices.

What You're Practicing

• The orange slices are traditional — the acid cuts through the richness of the stew.
• Feijoada is a Saturday tradition in Brazil, served as a long, communal lunch.